The teenage star Earns Triumph for Australia in Fiery Exhibition Encounter with Canada

Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising area.

As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Late Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.